The police Christmas appeal initiative will see police officers distributing the presents.

Acting Inspector Troy Martin of Albury police said it was an opportunity to give back to the community.

"Some kids unfortunately don't get to spend time at home with their loved ones, so we saw it as an opportunity," he said.

Around 3500 children go through the 16-bed Albury Hospital paediatric ward every year.

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Unit manager Sam Peet said it was a "fantastic initiative" to bring joy and fun to a stressful time.

"Arts and crafts, bubbles, toys, little Lego kits, that sort of thing that we can give to the kids and they can actually take it home as well, so they've got that positive memory of being in hospital at a time when they should be at home with their family," Ms Peet said.

Presents suitable for bed-bound children can be delivered un-wrapped to the Albury police station.

Excess presents will be given throughout 2020.